Emily Barragan

Academic Interests

Computer Science, Sociology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Fun Fact

I have a pet bunny! 

Since coding my first HTML/CSS webpage in high school, I became excited about the opportunities technology can create. For me, pursuing a career at the intersection of computing, people, and innovation means making meaningful change in every space I’m a part of. 

At Duke, I’ve made an impact through academics, extracurriculars, and work experiences. In particular, as a leader in ColorStack and SHPE, I support Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students in STEM by connecting them with resources and building a stronger community.

This past summer, I interned at Capital One as a Business Analyst, where I worked with SQL and Snowflake to create data-driven recommendations. That experience taught me how powerful it can be to use data to guide decisions, and I plan to bring those skills into my junior year and future roles.

Looking ahead, I aspire to be a tech and business leader who builds community-oriented teams and drives innovation. I carry my parents’ hard-working ethic and cultural kindness into every opportunity, and I want my path to show others that leadership in technology can be both impactful and human-centered.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

My favorite part about being a SPIRE fellow has been making life-long friends! The SPIRE community and experience have uniquely made my Duke experience the way it is, and continue to support me beyond academics.